Thursday, June 12, 2008

Desert Grub

One of the things in life that brings people together is food. So right in the middle of the congress here in Dubai, one of the key highlights is their cuisine hospitality. Arab cultures defines that all guests must be welcomed with big feasts with big portions and big amount of varieties. It does not matter what type of food u have on the table, it must be presented in big portions so that the host is seen as generous with plenty to go around. Well, in the five days of arabic hospitality, we did went through quite a bit and it was also a good opportunity to revisit the world of Arabic flavours dominated by Lebanese and Iranian influences. It evoked memories of time spent in Riyadh in 2000 as well as preparing those dishes that were served to Arab royalties when I was Executive Sous Chef onboard Lady Moura. As the Emirates modernise, so do the people's taste buds and they have a growing appetite for Thai, Malaysian, Indian and Mediterranean Flavours. Below are pictures of the displays and buffet lines we had during the 4 day congress.

Different kinds of starters, Arabic mezzes, hummus tahini, salads....Main highlight of the hot dishes was the Camel Meat Briyani which the hump was used as the center piece.

The fantastic cheese selection of imported and local Arabic cheeses....

Desserts were a mass orgy of everything from all cultures....from mousses to jellies, cakes and the ultimate muhallahbia....

No comments:

About Me

Trained at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and SHATEC, spanning 20 years of culinary experiences in hotels, restaurants, private yachts, personal chef services and food science, Chef Eric has done many successful partnerships with PA and private culinary studios. His workshops are informative, educational and inspiring to all who share a passion for food both in travelling, cooking and eating. He builds the success of the workshops through the participants’ successes of cooking up a great meal at home!!
Chef Eric’s culinary achievements include being a WACS certified culinary judge for international and national level culinary events, a recipient for World Gourmet Summit At-Sunrice GlobalChef Awards 2005, Guest Chef for the Singapore Tourism Board’s Singapore Food Festival 2008 Makan Classes, PA’s annual Singapore Culinary Journey Series. Other accolades include judging at FHA Culinary Challenge 2010, Penang Culinary Challenge 2012. He was also a Team Assistant to the Singapore National Culinary Team for Food and Hotel Asia (FHA) 1998 Salon Culinaire.

What past participants say about my cooking workshops

Dear Chef,

Congratulations on your award, we feel honoured to learn under a world class chef. I enjoyed your lessons very much because firstly it's cheaper than any other schools outside, and your recipes are interesting & easy to follow. I have cooked your recipes on several occasions and my family enjoy the change in my style of cooking very much.

Thanks & RegardsMay April 21, 2005

Hi Chef Yong,

I attended your class on Roast Beef at CSC last night and really really enjoyed it! (I was the one sitting in front right at the side asking many questions and first to help you take the samples to pass around the class), and I am actually a trained Home Economics teacher and still I found your lessons useful, your tips helpful, your teaching patient and thorough. I immediately recommended your classes to my friends and colleagues :) I will def adopt and adapt some of your recipes for my young students in time to come.

Dear Chef Yong,Yesterday was my first time attending your class and I enjoyed it. It was my first time too coming to know about the different types of sauces,vinegars and herbs. I'm new to Western cooking. I'm looking forward to attend your next workshop next Wed at CSC.

Have a nice day!RachelParticipant from Civil Service Club15th November 2007

Hello Chef , I've just attended your cooking class and I wish to be on your Mailing list.PS: the food is GREAT! (: Thank You and God BlessLim Siew GekSaturday 30th June 2007

Dear Chef,I attended your last class at cainhill last Saturday morning. The dishes were very yummy. Which civil service club are you teaching? I check there were a few.RegardsJennifer AngMonday 25th June 2007

Hi ChefI enjoyed your Italian cooking class on 23 June (Sat) morning. The pasta and grilled chicken were simply yummy! I also enjoyed the tomato based sauce which was served with the grilled chicken. Would appreciate if you could let me have the recipe for the tomato sauce.Hope to attend more of your classes in future. Will be checking out your blog for updates.

Thank you.Lisa.Sunday 24th June 2007

Dear Chef,
I have enjoyed your cooking classes and my family are always looking forward for your class.
The Pasta Carbonara was so.........so delicious and the best I ever tested in Singapore.
Cheers
Yik Huey
23rd April 2007

Dear ChefA very happy, healthy and successful new year to you and your family.

I have attended all your Chinese New Year workshops (menu #4 to #9) and I am impressed - you make cooking seem so easy and your recipes are yummy.Thanks for sharing.I have prepared some of the recipes for my family renunion dinner and received rave reviews - "yummilicious, refreshing change, taste good and look good..." In fact many relatives are asking for recipes of the cereal prawns, xo meepok,braised duck and black glutinous rice.I am in the midst of sorting out your recipes and would appreciate if you will send me the brochures/pdf files on menu 4 to 7 for my file.

Thanks again.

With kind regardsLynda LowWednesday, February 28, 2007

Dear Chef,I am Carmen from Colombia. I took some cooking lessons in Marine Parade last year and enjoyed them very much with my friend Zuleyca from Argentina. I am leaving Singapore next week. I'm going to England. I will miss your lessons a lot. Congratulations for your great work. I hope my friend Zuleyca can continued having this lessons. Thanks a lot for your information and all the best for you and your family. Kind regards Carmen
29th May 2006

Hi Chef,
Thanks for sharing all your interesting recipes with us.
Looking forward to all your upcoming interesting recipes. Glad to note that there is a menu focusing on "Hi Tea session" as I do love to invite friends for some simple delights of such. I must say that I enjoyed and love all your Italian pasta classes. It is really good and fantastic.
Thanks again to your passion in food and willingly share with us all the interesting recipes. I truly learned and enjoyed most of your classes that I attended. You are simply the BEST!
Regards,
Puihun
8th July 2006

Dear Chef,
What a lovely Tiramisu that was. Heavenly! The lamb and the salad were fantastic, too.
Regards,
Kay Parkinson June 28th 2006